The January transfer window can be an unpredictable and desperate month for clubs. Some need extra quality to fight relegation and some to push for a title or promotion. If a club has done their research and has luck on its side, January can be a success story. Here we look at five Sunderland January transfer window success stories. Could the Black Cats’ only signing of the winter window so far Enzo Le Fee make the list in the future? Early signs are good.
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Top Five Sunderland January Transfer Window Success Stories
Jermain Defoe
One of the greatest if not the greatest piece of business ever in football. In 2015, Sunderland brought in the prolific Defoe from Toronto FC in a swap deal which saw goal-shy flop Jozy Altidore move in the opposite direction. A deal which delighted fans and is still talked about affectionately to this day.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and England marksman would go on to become a firm favourite with fans of the club due to his committed performances and goals, especially the stunning volley to beat fierce rivals Newcastle United.
Off the pitch, he was also a favourite not just with Sunderland supporters but also fans of other clubs and non-football fans due to his work in the community and especially his charity work. Few will forget the relationship he formed with young Bradley Lowery.
Carlos Edwards
Injuries plagued his time on Wearside under Roy Keane but the winger certainly left his mark. In the 19 games following his arrival, the Black Cats won 15 of their final 19 games as they went on to win the Championship.
Against Burnley at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland won a hard-fought game 3-2 but it will be the wonder strike from Edwards that fans will remember from this game. His long-range effort rocketed into the top corner to win the game and confirm Sunderland’s promotion back to the Premier League.
Watch the goal below:
Despite playing just 56 times, Edwards will always be remembered as an excellent mid-season signing and has his place firmly in Sunderland’s history and fan’s memories.
Later in his career, Edwards talked about his time at Sunderland. He said: “That was the best time of my whole career in terms of being part of that team that got promoted to the Premier League and then fulfilling my dream of actually playing there.
“Sunderland is a very big club and to bring that smile back to the fans’ faces was something special. That’s the kind of moment footballers live for.”
Stephane Sessegnon
Signed from PSG in January 2011 for around £6 million. Sometimes described as a luxury player but also one who on his day was unplayable and could single-handedly win a game.
Would win the Player of the Season award in his first full season and during his time on Wearside would score a winner at Middlesbrough and the opening goal in a 3-0 away victory at Newcastle United. A goal in the game after victory over the Magpies against Everton saw Sunderland collect another three points, which went a long way in securing survival.
A forward with an abundance of flair, the ability to beat defenders with ease and make fans get up from their seats, Sessegnon could be as brilliant to watch as he was frustrating. The Frenchman never reached the heights that his skills deserved; however, wherever he has been, he has delighted fans.
A falling out with manager Paolo Di Canio, saw the end of his time on Wearside, leaving for West Brom for £6 million.
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Ross Stewart
Signed From Ross County for £300,000 in 2021, striker Stewart would make Sunderland millions when he left the club; however, it is his goals that also make him an excellent January signing.
In his first full season, he helped the Black Cats gain promotion back to the Championship as they beat Wycombe in the play-off final at Wembley. It was the first time since 1973 that Sunderland had won in front of fans at Wembley Stadium. It was their eighth attempt and Stewart was the hero, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 victory. Over the course of that season, the Scottish striker scored 26 goals.
He continued his impressive goalscoring form the following season in the Championship despite injuries, scoring 11 goals in 15 games before being ruled out for the season after being injured again in a third-round FA Cup tie at Fulham.
Heading into the last year of his contract and still recovering from injury, Sunderland decided to cash in on Stewart. He moved to Southampton for an initial fee of £8 million, rising to £10 million.
Stewart scored 40 goals in 81 games for the Black Cats and made them a profit of at least £7.7 million.
Danny Batth
Not the most exciting of arrivals when he signed in January 2022; however, his importance, experience and defending skill were vital as Sunderland gained promotion that same season.
Back in the Championship, he was again vital as Sunderland once again reached the playoffs, with his importance recognised when he was given the Player of the Season award.
He was given a free transfer in the summer of 2023, much to the bewilderment of many supporters who valued his defending ability. It was no coincidence that Batth’s old-school defending style, presence and leadership were missed as the Sunderland hierarchy favoured a younger team.
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